Pool

Update on Pool Closures

 

Mueller’s pools will open with limited capacity and extra guidelines beginning Monday, June 1, similar to other pool openings, such as local YMCAs. The following guidelines are intended to provide a compromise during an unprecedented situation, and will likely adjust as new information becomes available.

We understand this decision may be controversial for some who believe the pools should not be opened at all, should be open with no rules or special provisions should be made for families with kids, lap swimmers or other stakeholders. However, we hope everyone understands and appreciates the challenges associated with such a complex decision. We trust those who choose to go to the pool will abide by the additional guidelines for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment. Please note the following details:

• The CDC states there is no evidence the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools.
• The pools will be open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily (except on Ella Wooten will continue to be closed on Mondays beginning June 8) and John Gaines will be closed on Wednesdays for weekly cleaning).
• The pools will open at a lifeguard-recommended 15% capacity in order to maintain proper social distancing recommendations within the pools. At Ella Wooten, this means 41 people may be in the pool area at a time when open; at John Gaines, this means 34 people. In time, we may increase capacity depending on how the process goes.
• The pools will be open to residents only on a first-come, first-served basis. When the City opens its public pools (currently anticipated sometime in June), Mueller’s pools will open to the public as well.
• Only people living within each household can swim together; guests are not allowed for social distancing reasons.
• Pool users are encouraged to enjoy the pools for up to one hour to be courteous to other pool users who also want to enjoy the pools under limited capacity.
• Only one lap swimmer will be allowed in each lane at a time and they are encouraged to swim for up to 30 minutes if others are patiently waiting to use the lap lanes.
• Anyone 18 years or older is required to sign a waiver each time before they can swim. The waiver is available online at MuellerAustinOnline , (Committees, Pool Committee) and one is attached to this message if pool users would like to review in advance and to bring signed to the pool. Additional copies of the waiver will be available at the pool.
• Lifeguards will be present at all times to ensure they (a) administer waivers, (b) maintain capacity limits and (c) enforce social distancing. This means the gates will only be open when lifeguards are present. A pool key will not be necessary to unlock the gate, but a pool key or driver’s license with a correct address will be needed for verification of residency.
• Restrooms will be fully cleaned three times daily. Lifeguards will wipe down handrails, gate handles, front desk counters, etc. the last 10 minutes of each hour during adult swim periods.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at both pools.
• Tape will mark off six feet intervals at both pool entrances to maintain social distancing while waiting in any lines to enter and/or sign the waiver.
• People in the pool area must wear masks when arriving to sign or turn in a signed waiver, on the way to or from the restroom area, while in the restroom and changing areas and while sitting on a wall next to or on the edge of the pool. Masks are encouraged on the lawn area.
• Pool users are encouraged to wash hands and check temperatures of all attendees before arriving and to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
• Lifeguards have the right to remove individuals or close pools if new guidelines are not followed.
• Additional pool rules will be posted at each pool while established pool rules will also be enforced.

 

 

The Pool Rules recommended by the Pool Committee and approved by the Mueller Master Community Association Board of Directors contain the usual safety considerations and are mostly consistent with the City of Austin pool rules. The official pool rules can be found here.

 

Some of the pool rules are summarized below:

 

1. You must follow all directions of the lifeguards while at the pool. If you have a complaint about the direction of a lifeguard,you can contact poolcommittee@muelleraustinonline.com but only after following their directive or leaving the pool. While you are at the pool the lifeguards have the final say.

 

2. Residents and visitors must have a photo ID with them to enter the pool. Residents and visitors must sign in when entering the pool.

 

3. Residents must have a pool key to use the pool, even while the lifeguards are on duty or pay the daily entry fee.

 

4. Never prop open the pool gate.

 

5. No dogs or food are allowed inside the pool gate.

 

6. While the lifeguards are on duty we have a 10 minute break every hour – children must exit the pool during that time.

 

7. Have Fun!

 

 

 

RESIDENT SWIM passes are generally available at Mueller Central on Monday - Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Fridays 9 AM to 5 PM. Holidays may impact the office schedule, so please be sure to check the homepage for any changes. 

 

OPEN SWIM passes are available to non-resident patrons at the registration desk during Open Swim hours as follows:

 

Day Pass Fees: Adult (18+) - $5.00; Junior (12-17) - $3.00; Child (11 and Under) and Senior (62 and over) - $2.00.

 

 

Check back soon for swim information. 

 

 

The pool maintenance and cleaning is done by Crystal Clear Pools. Normally the pool is given a major cleaning on Mondays while the pool is closed. This includes shocking which means that chlorine levels are raised to a high level during which swimming is unsafe. There are two other thorough scheduled cleanings during the week, usually Wednesday and Friday. There is also an automated chemical monitoring system and the pool life guards are to make manual readings daily, assess the water level and contact pool maintenance company if possible.

 

Please keep in mind that wind and/or rain can cause a very recently cleaned pool to appear dirty. Particulate matter in the air tends to get dumped into the pool water leading to the noticeable observation that the pool is dirty. For the most part, a pool containing dust, sand, and dirt is not unsafe. Heat can also make the water appear murky. The pool filtration system will generally take care of the particulate matter over time and particulate matter than falls to the pool bottom will be picked up at the next pool vacuuming.

 

 

Please contact Associa Hill Country at 512-328-6100 to report any maintenance needs or concerns.

 

 

We have experienced several instances of fecal contamination in the Ella Wooten pool. This is a very serious issue: Crypto, short for Cryptosporidium is a germ that can cause diarrhea when ingested. It is found in fecal matter and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Because Crypto is chlorine-resistant and can live for days in chlorine-treated water, pools may need special care after a fecal incident which caused the swim area to close several times last year.

 

Please help us prevent this by making sure all young children wear a swim diaper, even if they are potty trained and taking your kids on regular bathroom breaks and check swim diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.

 

For more information on Crypto, the risks and recommended treatments, please see attached CDC fact sheet and the recommended treatments.

 

 

1. Get out of the pool and report to the lifeguard or call Associa Hill Country at 512-328-6100. Please calmly advise any other swimmers to exit the pool.

 

2. The pool will be closed down as soon as possible and locked. The pool maintenance company will shock the pool and then test the chemical level.

 

3. Based on the level of contamination, the pool maintenance company will make a determination of how long to close the pool before reopening based on the CDC guidelines.

 

4. As soon as possible we will advise the residents of an emergency pool closing via the announcements on the website and the message board feature. You can "subscribe" to the message board if you wish to receive emails when a new post is made.

 

5. Following the required amount of time the pool maintenance company will return, re-test chemical levels and make a decision to open the pool or not based on those results. These federal guidelines are for the safety of all pool patrons.

 

 

A dedicated group of Mueller residents advise the Board of Directors on all pool related issues. The pool committee always loves suggestions so please feel free to contact the MCA Pool Committee at poolcommittee@muelleraustinonline.com.

 

 

It is important to have a predictable time for major pool cleaning and repair. Pools are systems that cycle and filtrate the water. A fallow day gives this system an opportunity to handle the pool shocking process, normalize to acceptable chemical levels, and to provide a good stretch of unfettered filtration.